Civic Engagement Social innovations that enrich society and enhance democratic participation

The Encore Careers Summit - Journeying Through Multiple Careers

The notion of "golden years" of endless leisure is giving way to a new form of practical idealism: real jobs tackling real problems and making real impact. The Encore Careers campaign aims to engage millions of baby boomers in careers later in life, producing a windfall of human talent to solve society's greatest problems. In this 2008 Encore Careers Summit panel discussion sponsored by the Center for Social Innovation at Stanford, panelists share their "encore" journeys, and how they've had the energy to stay professionally vital and active.

The Encore Careers Summit - Lessons for a New Social Movement

How can the United States and the world benefit from the work of people who have been dedicated to social change over the last 30 years? What can those with the most diverse array of backgrounds and careers do to impact social, economic, and political policy, particularly in this unprecedented era of new political leadership? In this panel discussion from the 2008 Encore Careers Summit, activist leaders from the women's, civil rights, and environmental movements discuss how we can reinvent this country by drawing on lessons from the past.

Matthew Bishop - Philanthrocapitalism

In a climate resistant to government spending on social causes, the focused donations of billionaire philanthropists may be the greatest force for societal change in our world. So says journalist Matthew Bishop in this Stanford Center for Social Innovation sponsored talk. Discussing his recent book, Philanthrocapitalism, Bishop shares anecdotes, analysis, and profiles of a small group of people who are influencing the lives of many by bringing their success in capitalism to giving, rather than to making money.

Panel Discussion - Capitalism and Environmental Sustainability

In an age of consumer surplus, where people are encouraged to shop as "retail therapy," where does environmental sustainability fit in? In this panel discussion from the Commonwealth Club of California, leaders in business, design and innovation discuss why a deeper understanding of human nature will be central to a successful 21st century business strategy.

Panel Discussion - Skoll World Forum: Empathy and Ethics

Technology has increased the flow of information and made our decision-making more transparent. In this panel discussion on empathy and ethics, Bill Drayton, Mary Gordon, Keith Hammonds, Kirk Hanson, and Jill Vialet consider how empathetic ethics has to begin with individuals and can only then move into the organizations we lead and the societies we serve.